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Bright Lights, Big City

For the past five days I have been trying to navigate my way through The Big Apple. I learned a few things while I was traveling: boy, is it big! There is absolutely nothing small about it, but land mass. The beauty of this wonderful adventure has been the fact that I have been able to learn so much about myself in the process. Growing up in a small town, all you know is what you hear about New Yorkers. Supposedly, New Yorkers are mean, rude, and unfriendly. As a result of those rumors and assumptions, it makes you enter the city with a little trepidation. Then you’re told to watch out for crazy people on the subway and that’s frightening, as well. I’m proud to say that my experience with New York was one of much appreciation and adoration. I can say that because I traveled around Manhattan, Brooklyn, and The Bronx by myself.

I learned that I’m sure there are those who are rude and unsavory, but for the most part people are kind. It’s hard to say that they are considerate because everyone is in a hurry trying to get to their next destination or hustle, but not as rude as most would think.

As I rode the subway throughout the city and met countless New Yorkers, I was amazed at the allure of New York City. People move to New York for three things: money, fashion, or success. For those who are hungry and ambitious, it doesn’t seem so unimaginable. Everybody in the city is on their grind. Everybody I saw moving made me believe in the possibility of wealth and success, if that’s what you’re chasing. Staring at the Empire State Building reminded me to believe anything is possible.

Friday I had my first real experience with greatness and all the grandeur of the city. I met some amazing people that were doing amazing things in their fields. These same people were working with me, talking with me and encouraging me with possibilities of the future. For the first time in my life, I looked beyond my small town roots and knew that success and greatness were mine for the taking. Success to me was beginning to look as big as The Big Apple.

I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that The Big Apple is more than just bright lights in a big city full of rude people. Those lights inspire people like me. They are the guide that lights the way when you think you’re lost. Those lights gave me the extra push to keep going and believing in the magic of thinking big as the Empire State Building.